Massive Two Rivers Development Taking Shape 

 Is The Two Rivers Development Expanding Both Wesley Chapel & New Tampa To East Of Morris Bridge Rd.? 

Research by Joel Provenzano 

This map of Two Rivers shows the portions that are currently under development, as well as the future plans in both Hillsborough & Pasco counties. (Two Rivers map modified by NN) 

 If you haven’t taken a ride on S.R. 56 eastbound past Morris Bridge Rd. recently, I believe you probably should do so. 

While Wesley Chapel and New Tampa residents online complain about how every remaining shred of land in our communities is being developed, adding to our ever-increasing traffic at the expense of open space and a more pastoral way of life, it seems that others outside of any known boundary of Wesley Chapel (as I presented in our Oct. 3 issue) are now creating new communities that may ultimately finally move what even I call Wesley Chapel (and, to a lesser extent, New Tampa) well to the east, too. 

Before the creation of the huge 6,000-acre Two Rivers Master-Planned Unit Development (MPUD), the only community in Zephyrhills that pretty much anyone would confuse with being Wesley Chapel-like was Lake Bernadette, which has fewer than 1,000 total households with entrances on both Eiland Blvd. and S.R. 54, all in zip code 33541. 

But, it seems that you could fit all of Lake Bernadette inside Two Rivers, which is being developed by Eisenhower Property Group, due east of Morris Bridge Rd. in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties. In fact, Two Rivers is actually larger than the 5,000-acre Wiregrass Ranch development to its west. 

And, like Lake Bernadette, the zip code for the Pasco portions of Two Rivers that began being developed in December of 2023 is 33541. That means that if I decide to start mailing the Neighborhood News there, I will be expanding our all-direct-mail distribution east of Wesley Chapel for the first time. 

More About Two Rivers 

Although I had heard of Two Rivers before now, I didn’t really take notice of it until I saw a billboard on S.R. 54 near mine and Jannah’s apartment (which has a Land O’Lakes address) that proclaimed Two Rivers as a “New Community — Wesley Chapel.” What? Did I somehow miss that Two Rivers was actually west of Morris Bridge Rd.? 

The answer is a resounding “No,” but the community is being marketed as basically an extension of Wesley Chapel — and who could blame the developer or the home builders? 

According to its promotional materials, Two Rivers is “near Wesley Chapel” and will “give residents a best-of-both-worlds living experience.” Two Rivers will feature more than 7,500 planned residential homes, townhomes, apartments and villas: “Those who make their home here will enjoy access to clubhouses, pools, parks, trails, sports courts and shared green spaces…and plans include K-12 schools, as well as retail space, future options for dining, cafĂ©s, groceries and beauty services, fitness and more.” 

One of the first two villages already selling homes in Two Rivers is Childers by Lennar Homes, with “447 total homesites, about 100 sold and 65 closed or moved into,” according to new home consultant Brooke Politano. Homes in Childers start in the mid-$300,000s. 

The other village now selling is Northwater by D.R. Horton, with 360 total homes, also starting in the mid $300s, with about 30 homes already with residents. Both subdivisions are north of S.R. 56. 

When Wayne Thomas purchased the first portion of the Two Rivers Ranch in the 1930s, he couldn’t possibly have known that his cattle ranch would expand to more that 17,000 acres stretching from northeast Hillsborough through Pasco and even reaching to Hernando counties. 

A little more than 500 acres of that property was located in Crystal Springs, sort of between Thonotosassa and Zephyrhills and which today is home to Poland Springs waters, the large company now bottling and selling Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water. 

But, the Thomas family has been good stewards of their land since before World War II, so much so that in 2014, Two Rivers Ranch was honored as one of seven regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winners. The award, which is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, is presented to farmers and ranchers “who work hard to protect America’s natural resources.” 

Two Rivers Ranch began as a cow/ calf operation that has now been owned and managed by Robert Thomas’ family for more than 90 years. 

“The Hillsborough River supplies approximately 90 percent of the city of Tampa’s drinking water, so it’s very important for the city,” said Wayne Thomas, Executive Vice President, Two Rivers Ranch, and himself a fourth-generation cattle rancher. 

“We have a very high profile here as a result of the importance of our natural resource,” added his father Robert Thomas, who is the CEO of Two Rivers Ranch. 

The ranch was honored with the ESAP award for its proven land management techniques to enhance their operation. “The Thomas family keeps their herd size limited so as not to negatively impact wetlands, water quality of the adjacent river bodies, native vegetation or wildlife populations,” was part of the reason the family received the award. 

Today, as explained on this issue’s front page, the Thomas family is no allowing Two Rivers to be developed as another huge Master Planned Unit Development, but which promises to have more than 3,000 acres of wooded landscapes, with lots of open space, parks, walking trails, dog parks, passive parks, court and lawn space and more. 

Two Rivers Today & Tomorrow 
The largest homes currently available in Two Rivers are the Trenton model from Lennar Homes (left) in the Childers community and (right) the Hayden model from D.R. Homes in the Northwater village. (Photos taken from Lennar.com & from DRHorton.com) 

Also expected to be part of the Pasco portion of Two Rivers is a central health, wellness and dining club for residents. This facility will include tennis, pickleball, pools, playgrounds, various interior and exterior gathering spaces and a bar and restaurant. There also is a planned regional district park as well as shopping, dining and office spaces planned. 

At Northwater village, D.R. Horton’s smallest home is the 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Allex II model, with 1,560 sq. ft. of living area, starting at around $344K. The largest is the 5-bedroom, 3-bath Hayden model with 2,605 sq. ft. of living area, starting in the $424s. 

Meanwhile, in the Childers village, Lennar’s smallest home is the 3-bedroom, 2-bath Annapolis model, with 1,448 sq. ft. of living space starting at around $329K. The largest is the Trenton model, with 6 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3,326 sq. ft. of living area, starting at around $489K. 

Now that the first two villages are well under way, here are the plans for additional villages and home builders that are planned to arrive this year: 

‱ Tamarack Village (early 2024) – This gated village will include homes by Park Square Homes and William Ryan Homes. 

‱ Ryals Field Village (mid-2024) – Gated village featuring Homes by WestBay. 

‱ Delyle Village (mid-2024) – Offering Pulte homes. 

‱ Shortgrass Village (late 2024) – Offering M/I Homes. 

‱ Additional villages and phases will feature Casa Fresca, Meritage Homes and Taylor Morrison Homes. 

But Wait, There’s More! 

As we also mentioned on pg. 1, Two Rivers also is planned to expand into Hillsborough County by sometime next year. 

The first new section to be built across Morris Bridge Rd. from New Tampa is Flatwoods, described in Two Rivers’ marketing materials as, “Our luxury section (that) will be home to Flatwoods Golf & Country Club. This community will feature a private country club with a spa, recreational amenities and an 18-hole golf course. The course, designed by renowned Scottish golf course architect David McLay-Kidd of DMK Golf Design, is estimated to be completed in 2025. DMK Golf has designed several very prestigious resort and private golf courses in the world, including The Castle Course at St. Andrews Links in Scotland, and Nanea Golf Club in Kailua Kona, HI. 

Some Transportation Info 

Although Two Rivers’ Flatwoods village will be set back quite a bit from both Morris Bridge Rd. in New Tampa and U.S. Hwy. 301 in Thonotosassa, according to plans filed with Hillsborough County, there will be another future connection from Two Rivers to Morris Bridge Rd, which will be located basically on the county line, adjacent to a TECO-owned power substation and aligned with Camerton Rd. on the west side. 

There currently are plans for three future traffic signals along S.R. 56, all of which the developer will pay for and construct (under permit) when warrants are met. The locations will be for the intersections with Two Rivers Blvd., Widewater Way, and Lodge Grass Blvd., all where the existing full median openings are currently located. A fourth signal along S.R. 56 might be considered between Lodge Grass Blvd. and U.S. 301 (also a full median opening), depending upon the amount of traffic that portion of the development, which will be commercial, might generate. 

In addition, there also will be a connection to U.S. 301 in Hillsborough, which also will be signalized by full build-out. Two more signals for U.S. 301, at Lodge Grass Blvd., and Morris Bridge Rd. at Colston Ave., also are planned. The right-of-way along Morris Bridge Rd. is now 80’ but the MPUD conditions for Two Rivers requires the family to convey a 44’ wide strip of its property over to the county. 

The River Landing development on S.R. 56 west of Morris Bridge Rd. also was required to provide a similar strip, which will allow for the potential widening of Morris Bridge Rd. to four lanes in the future. 

In addition to the signals, the county also will require Two Rivers to construct left and right turn lanes along Morris Bridge Rd. at Colston Ave. The only other entrance/exit along Morris Bridge Rd. for Two Rivers will be a gated emergency-only access near the southern part of the development. 

This will bring the grand total of traffic signals for Two Rivers to potentially eight: four on S.R. 56, two on Morris Bridge Rd. and two on U.S. 301, subject to meeting warrants and final approval by the transportation departments of the local and state governments. 

SOHO Wellness Med Spa Brings A South Tampa Experience To Wesley Chapel 

Becky (left) and her mother Debbie Dubikas are the owners of two SOHO Med Spas, including the location in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Long-time former aesthetician Becky Dubikas and her mom, certified hypnotherapist Debbie Dubikas, came up with the idea to collaborate and open a business together in 2014, providing their services to clients in South Tampa at their SOHO Wellness Med Spa on S. Blvd. 

Over the past nine years, they have added services and considered how to make the experience of visiting SOHO Wellness Med Spa more relaxing and sensual as they offer personalized treatments in cosmetics (also known as cosmetic services) for skin and for body. 

Becky and Debbie have lovingly built up their business — even as they have stepped away from providing services at their med spa themselves — so much that they knew they needed to open a second location to keep up with demand. 

They chose Wesley Chapel, opening a new med spa this past May in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off of S.R. 56, between I-75 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. 

They named their med spa SOHO, for the “South Howard” (Ave.) area of Tampa, a part of the Hyde Park neighborhood that is home to the pair’s original location. Becky and Debbie recognized that areas of large cities also called SOHO are often the most high-end areas of those cities throughout the world, and Becky and Debbie want their clients to know that SOHO Med Spa is a high-quality boutique spa that brings an abundance of services together. 

What started as a mother and daughter merging their specialties together has evolved into a relaxing, luxurious med spa that has any service you need in skin care, cosmetics and body treatments all under one roof. 

“Today we offer a wide range of services from each category,” says Becky, “From injections and Botox to cosmetic machines, body treatments such as wraps and scrubs and basic facials to dermaplaning, microneedling, and peels — even laser hair removal.” 

Becky says clients love that the place they go to get their monthly massage also can be the place they get a facial or even Botox or facial fillers. 

Laser hair removal with the Soprano ICE Platinum machine by Alma is quick and painless.

She says laser hair removal is a new service being rolled out at both locations. Debbie and Becky have held off on offering the service as they were evaluating the very large number of machines available on the market to ensure they chose the very best one for their clients — the Soprano ICE Platinum by Alma. 

“The machine is awesome,” Becky says. “It’s absolutely painless and we’re excited to launch it in both locations.” 

Becky says the Wesley Chapel location of SOHO Wellness Med Spa was designed to create a clean, modern space that is relaxing and calming, while their South Tampa location is a little more “homey.” 

Both locations feature a relaxation lounge, showers and an infrared sauna. Anyone taking advantage of the spa’s packages can use the relaxation lounge to wait between services. 

Anytime a client is scheduled for more than one service, they are given a robe so they don’t have to get dressed and undressed as they move from room to room. 

Use of the infrared sauna is complimentary with the purchase of spa services, along with extras such as champagne, wine or a mimosa, hot tea or coffee, and snacks. 

Amazing Reviews… 

Becky also says the Wesley Chapel location is growing and getting busier, and that people have had wonderful things to say about it when they come in. 

In fact, every Google review posted for SOHO Wellness Wesley Chapel so far has been five out of five stars. 

“I went in for a glow facial, infrared sauna and therapeutic massage and had the most relaxing experience,” says Emmalee Gregory in her Google review. “The spa was beautiful and decorated to perfection. The girls at SOHO all had a great attitude and I can’t wait to go back!” 

A review from Darieliz Lopez echoes Emmalee’s compliments. 

“This new location is so beautiful and I absolutely loved my experience,” Darieliz says. “The front desk staff were very welcoming and made me feel at home before my services. My aesthetician and massage therapist were so sweet and very knowledgeable, too. I can’t wait to book again!” 

Lip fillers are a popular service at the Wesley Chapel location of the SOHO Wellness Med Spa 
(Photo from SOHO-Wellness.com). 

Becky wants everyone who walks through the doors to feel comfortable and have as wonderful an experience as Emmalee and Darieliz did. 

“We want to provide people in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area with excellent services so they will hopefully find their home with us,” Becky says. 

She describes SOHO Wellness as “kind of an oasis of wellness where cosmetics and relaxation combine.” She believes so strongly in this idea that she and her mom made “Where Cosmetics and Relaxation Combine” their tagline for the spa. 

Becky explains that means your cosmetic procedures are provided as part of a spa experience. You won’t be rushed in and out for a 15-minute appointment like you might be at a clinical facility such as a dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s office. 

All medical procedures are performed by a nurse practitioner and overseen by medical director Joseph Castellano, M.D., a cosmetic surgeon who also has his own practice in Tampa. 

If you have questions about the wide variety of services, discounts and specials, or how to address a specific skin, cosmetic, or body issue, the friendly staff at SOHO Wellness Med Spa is happy to take your phone call and discuss the many options available. 

Every service starts with a consultation to make sure the staff understands each client’s goals and is ready to meet his or her expectations. 

There also is a variety of packages that are designed to help clients save money, or you can “buy and bank” services, such as purchasing a package of five services, for example, and get one free. 

Appointments can be made quickly and easily online at SOHO-wellness.com. Also, be sure to check the website for specials, which change every month. 

For those who read this article, Becky and Debbie are offering a new client special of $10 off any service at the Wesley Chapel location if you mention that you saw this story in the Neighborhood News. 

To make an appointment or for more information about SOHO Wellness Med Spa’s Wesley Chapel location (2008 Ashley Oaks Cir.)., call (813) 512-6920 or visit SOHO-wellness.com. 

Meet Award-Winning RealtorŸ Dee Strom Of Florida Executive Realty 

Let Realtor¼ Dee Strom (left) of Florida Executive Realty in Tampa Palms, who lives in New Tampa and specializes in homes in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O’Lakes and Odessa, help you buy or sell a home. (Photos provided by Dee Strom) 

Dee Strom, a multi-award-winning RealtorÂź at Florida Executive Realty (FER) in Tampa Palms since 2014, says she transitioned from hospitality management at the suggestion of her husband, Michael. She sought guidance and turned to Debbie Pearson, a friend and seasoned realtor at FER with 25 years of experience, who became her invaluable mentor. 

Dee expresses gratitude to Debbie, stating, “I have yet to work with an agent as wonderful and knowledgeable as she is. I am blessed to have learned from the best mentor and company.” 

In a unique move, Dee interviewed with FER Broker (Doug Loyd) before obtaining her real estate license and became the first agent he brought on who didn’t yet have a license. A USF business graduate, she initially entered the real estate field as, “a driven individual who saw nothing but success.” Marriage and motherhood followed, transforming Dee into one of the busiest working moms at the company. Dee commends Florida Executive Realty for its family-friendly environment, allowing children in the workplace and enabling moms like her to run successful businesses. 

Highlighting her experience and commitment, Dee asserts, “I have been a Realtor for over a decade, selling more than $20 million of real estate annually, placing me in the top 1% of the nation. My real estate business knowledge and experience put me far above most other agents.” 

In fact, Dee has been named FER’s “Agent of the year” each of the last three years. She says that building a solid relationship and chemistry with your Realtor is key in the real estate business. Both buyers and sellers should collaborate with a Realtor they genuinely connect with, like and trust. Dee’s work schedule is based on her client’s availability, not the other way around. 

“With me, you get me, and it’s a one-stop shop. As a Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LRE) member, I market my listings locally and globally and receive relocation clients who move to our local area. I also assist my clients who move out of state and refer them to a Realtor they can trust in all parts of the world.” 

What To Expect… 
Let Realtor¼ Dee Strom help you find the home — and the living room — of your dreams, too. 

As for what she expects the local real estate market to be like in 2024, Dee notes that recent interest rate decreases, have improved affordability for prospective buyers. She predicts an uptick in local real estate sales later in the year and a return to more moderate growth in pricing compared with the post-Covid period. Although she covers all of Hillsborough and Pasco counties, Dee says her primary focus is on New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Odessa. 

Here is one recent trend Dee has noticed: As new construction continues to grow, younger Millennial buyers are seeking homes featuring wellness amenities like lap pools and gyms, with proximity to healthy restaurants. 

She takes pride in offering clients a substantial referral network for lenders, insurance providers and vendors. 

“I always say my clients are in good hands, not only with the real estate transaction but everything in preparation before selling or purchasing their home,” Dee says. “For example, packing and moving aren’t easy, so I have them focus on that, and I take care of the rest, literally.” 

Devoted to her clients, Dee shares her husband’s favorite anecdote about her: 

“Pregnant with my first daughter, Sloane (4), I had my computer in my lap negotiating in the hospital bed. After she was born, as soon as I was released from the hospital, I asked him if it was OK to go show a property, and off I went. As you can see, I am dedicated to my clients
.” 

Dee uses a restaurant analogy to describe why someone should work with an experienced, well-rounded Realtor for buying and selling. She explains that selecting the right Realtor is like choosing a steakhouse. Going to an average chain restaurant, there’s only about a 50/50 chance your steak will be cooked correctly. One time may be good, while another is an awful experience — both the meal and the customer service. 

“But, when you dine at a high-end steakhouse, like Ruth’s Chris,” she says, “the steak is perfect every single time and the customer service is always excellent. We frequent Ruth’s Chris; we have had the same server for over 10 years. Real estate, like dining out, is about developing relationships.” 

She adds, “My clients are like family! Without the proper knowledge, experience and resources, many agents out there do not know what should be known. We are working for buyers and sellers completing the largest purchase or sale of their lives.” 

Dee is proud that the majority of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals. She highlights a recent review she received out of the blue from a repeat client. 

The review said, “You will always be part of our family in the Tampa area, as everyone loves ‘Dee,’ the person and mom. I truly admire your work ethic and professionalism in handling your real estate business while juggling a growing family. You set high standards for others to emulate and follow, but only a select few can accomplish. By now, it should be paying off for you. In the business world, you are very rare… I now call it ‘The Dee Factor’ — a balanced combination of real-estate knowledge, professionalism, elegance, poise, perseverance, hard work, sales techniques, great attitude, well-spoken and charming. And, on top of that, someone who is more interested in the well-being of a satisfied customer than a simple commission check. That’s a major key to success. Well done.” 

“This is why my job is so fulfilling,” Dee says. “and I will do it a thousand times over.” 

Dee values the connections she makes with her clients, emphasizing her commitment to their lives well beyond the closing. Her overarching goal is to redefine and elevate the real estate profession and eliminate some of the horror stories of low-level representation. 

“We, Realtors, can change the public’s perception and reality of what real estate agents and brokers do for their clients to match other highly respected professions,” she says. “One client at a time.” 

Dee lives in New Tampa with her husband Michael, a Tampa Police Officer for 20 years, and daughters Sloane and Stella. When not surpassing client expectations, she and her family enjoy swimming and cooking out. 

Realtor¼ Dee Strom is based at Florida Executive Realty’s Tampa Palms office (15802 Amberly Dr.) For more information, visit DStrom.floridaexecutiverealty.com, search “DeeStromRealty” on Facebook, call (813) 525-7851.

New Tampa Business Briefs — Checking Out What’s New & Planned In Tampa Palms! 

Research & Photos by Joel Provenzano 

A view of the pool at the New Tampa Palms Luxury Apartment Homes rental community.

Although the only community in New Tampa where significant numbers of new single-family homes are still being built is K-Bar Ranch, there also are at least three current construction projects in Tampa Palms — one with new for-rent apartment homes, while the other two are commercial sites, one being a new office building and the other a new self-storage facility. The commercial projects are both adding to the Tampa Palms Professional Center, located on Primrose Lake Cir. off Commerce Park Blvd. 

New Tampa Palms Luxury Apartment Homes 

Located across Tampa Palms Blvd. from the Emerald Pointe townhome community near Lowe’s, there is a new rental apartment community that only recently had a monument sign erected announcing that the new development is called — even though it sounds more like a description than a name — New Tampa Palms Luxury Apartment Homes. 

New Tampa Palms, which is being developed by Tampa Palms Area 3 developer Warren Kinsler (who also developed the nearby Compton Place apartments), is a gated, resort-style rental community with a total of 402 spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment residences in 17 total buildings. 

The one-bedroom, one-bathroom “Palm Springs” model apartments at New Tampa Palms are all 1,264 sq. ft., and currently range in price from $1,705-$1,845 per month, depending upon location. 

The new monument-style sign at the entrance to that community. 

There also is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom “Palm Bay” model that offers 1,333 sq. ft. of living space currently ranging in price from $1,805-$2,245 per month, as well as two different two-bedroom, two-bath apartments — the “Palm Shores” model (1,409 sq. ft.), with rents now ranging between $1,905-$2,025 per month, and the “Palm Gardens” model (1,571 sq. ft.), with rents currently between $2,205-$2,325 per month. 

The rents for all of these different units currently are either $1.35 or $1.40 per sq. ft. and every unit has a patio or balcony with extra storage space, and ceiling heights of 9-16 feet. The residences feature gourmet kitchens with rich, dark wood custom cabinetry, granite countertops, gooseneck faucets, breakfast bars and pantries, walk-in closets and laundry rooms with full-size washers and dryers in every home. 

The community also offers a clubhouse, resident lounge, catering kitchen and fitness center, as well as a luxurious swimming pool (top photo), sundeck, veranda, pergola, al fresco dining and outdoor lounge areas with firepits. There also is a private community lake that offers nature trails, a walking path and a spectacular centerpiece fountain. New Tampa Palms also provides convenient resident parking with EV charging stations and is pet-friendly with a dedicated dog run. 

The community is expected to begin leasing and providing tours for prospective tenants either as you’re receiving this issue or shortly thereafter and the leasing agent we spoke with said that tenants could begin moving into the first two completed buildings by the middle of this month. In addition, for a limited time, New Tampa Palms is offering both one month free on a 13-month lease, plus a $1,000 move-in credit. Also remember to ask for the community’s special offer for first responders, active military, veterans and health care professionals. 

For leasing and more information, call (813) 513-1548 or visit RentNewTampaPalmsFL.com. 

Medical Office & Self-Storage 
The location (in yellow) of the planned self-storage facility in the Tampa Palms Professional Center on Primrose Lake Cir.

The Tampa Palms Professional Center, a large, multi-building complex located off Commerce Park Blvd., across from the New Tampa Recreation Center, Freedom High and Liberty Middle School, has been around for more than a dozen years, but still continues to occasionally add more along Primrose Lake Cir. (named for the Primrose School of Tampa Palms at the northern end of the complex), including a new self-storage facility located near both the Primrose School and the Discovery Village assisted living facility (see map right). 

Tampa Palms Professional Center developer Garrison (Gar) Urette says that the proposed three-story, 105,726-sq.ft. self storage building with 760 units has not yet pulled a permit but, on Dec. 21, requested a design exception from the City of Tampa Zoning Dept. to allow for eleven total parking spaces, rather than the 39 the city’s Land Development Code would normally require. 

We will update this story when we have additional information. 

The new 8,233-sq.-ft. medical office building (label in yellow) now under construction in the Tampa Palms Professional Center is located between the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hotel & The Woman’s Group on Primrose Lake Cir. 

Much further along, however, is a new 8,233 sq.-ft. medical office building to be located on Primrose Lake Cir., between the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hotel and the building that is home to The Woman’s Group. Although we weren’t able to reach the owner and general contractor for the project, Roberto Saez of Design & Construction Innovations, LLC, before we went to press, the permit with the City of Tampa appears to divide the building into four separate suites, each with their own entrances. 

In addition, on the title block of the site plan, one of the buildings is labeled “Derek Dental,”, but Gar Urette says he isn’t sure if the building had any officially signed tenants at our press time, so we won’t speculate as to who the tenant might be without confirmation from Saez. 

We also were told by a member of the construction crew that one of the suites may be a pharmacy for The Woman’s Group, but we had no confirmation of that as we went to press. What we did find, however, is an access agreement between the two property owners that has easement rights and shows that the building that is under construction and the Woman’s Group building will be sharing the existing parking lot. 

For more information about either of these projects or about spaces available for lease at the Tampa Palms Professional Center, call (813) 876-7697 or visit TampaPalmsCenter.com. 

Lima Peruvian Cuisine — New Specials, Same Delicious Food! 

Please tell owner Oscar Escudero that you want his new CevichĂ© Lima added to his regular menu, which already features favorites like the Lima Wrap sandwich (below, right) and the Tallarin Saltado de Mariscos (bottom). (All photos by Charmaine George) 

If you’ve somehow still never sampled Peruvian food — despite having an outstanding Peruvian restaurant right here on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. — I implore you to go visit Lima Rotisserie Chicken & Peruvian Cuisine in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center. 

Lima, which is owned by Oscar Escudero, who was raised in Lima, Peru, continues to add amazing new dishes, thanks to Oscar’s passion and his happy supporting cast. The food at Lima is a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisines, since Peru is on the west coast of South America and located directly across the Pacific Ocean from China, which means that in the same place you can find several varieties of authentic Latin cevichĂ©, you also can find wok-sautĂ©ed lo mein-style noodle and fried rice dishes. 

If that sounds too good to be true to you, trust me, it’s not. And, if that combination doesn’t make your mouth water, trust me, it should. I named Lima my Favorite Latin Restaurant in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel for 2023 because no other place in either of our areas offers a wider variety of uniquely spiced and tasty dishes. And, feel free to research why Peruvian food has been named as the best Latin American cuisine and among the favorite cuisines in the entire world by several trusted sources. 

If you like pot roast, you should definitely try Lima’s Asado de Res con Ensalada Rusa.

Speaking of unique, not only does Lima offer vinegar-and-lime-marinated cevichĂ© options like shrimp, mussels and calamari, as well as my favorite CevichĂ© de Pescado (raw white meat fish), Oscar recently added — as a special only, at least for now — his own twist on the classic dish that he calls CevichĂ© Lima, which adds a savory golden pepper sauce to the fish and two types of corn kernels, as well as a generous helping of flash-fried calamari. The sauce is so delicious that not only does it give the cevichĂ© itself a delightfully different flavor, with just a hint of spice, it also may be the best dipping sauce for fried calamari I’ve ever tasted. I told Oscar that I would tell my readers to ask — no, make that demand — that he add CevichĂ© Lima to the regular menu, so please feel free to do just that! 

Speaking of new specials that definitely should be added to Lima’s regular menu, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I also got to sample Oscar’s Asado de Res con Ensalada Rusa, which is slow-cooked-to-incredibly-tender beef tenderloin in a brown gravy of its own juices, with a side of Russian-inspired potato-and-beet salad. Jannah, who saw the purple color of this entrĂ©e’s side dish and immediately thought she wouldn’t like it, said the beef tenderloin was better than my mom’s brisket (pot roast) recipe, which might have started an argument between us if I didn’t kind of agree with her! And, although my wife didn’t love the beet-and-potato salad, Charmaine and I agreed it was pretty delicious, too. Feel free to also beg Oscar to add this one to the menu. 

Other dishes that aren’t new to the menu that we sampled for the first time on our most recent visit include the Lima Wrap sandwich, which is a tasty chicken salad wrap that adds small tomato wedges and cilantro, which gives the chicken salad an unusual zing. The fries were a perfect complement, even though I would order them extra crispy next time. But, since we had some of the CevichĂ© Lima sauce left over, we all dipped a lot of the fries in both that sauce and the gravy from the Asado dish until all of the fries were gone. Yum! 

And, although the Tallarin Saltado de Pollo (flamed diced chicken breast with sliced onions, tomatoes, scallions, julienned peppers and cilantro blended with pasta and Peruvian-style soy sauce) is still Jannah’s favorite dish at Lima, she and Charmaine both also raved about their first sampling of the Tallarin Saltado de Mariscos, which is the same dish, but with shrimp, calamari, mussels and clams, instead of chicken. And, although I couldn’t sample it because of my hated shellfish allergy (I could eat the calamari and clams, but not in the same dish as the shrimp and mussels), Charmaine said that all of the seafood was cooked to perfection and the flavors all blended amazingly well together. There also is a Tallarin de Carne, which replaces the chicken or seafood with tenderloin tips that I also love. 

Tallarin Saltado de Mariscos.

Similar wok-sautĂ©ed style dishes also are available without the pasta — replaced by sides of both white rice and French fries — in Lima’s Lomo Saltado, as well as in Oscar’s Arroz Chaufa (fried rice) with the same protein options as the Tallarin and Lomo Saltado. These also are excellent, but there’s just something about the way the pasta blends with the Peruvian soy sauce that makes it my preferred choice. 

And yes, Lima does feature its perfectly spiced rotisserie chicken, available as chicken-only or with side dishes that include some of the best black beans and rice in town. Other sides include pico de gallo, a zesty house salad, yuca fries and tostones (twice-fried green plantain slices). 

Other appetizers include Papa (boiled potatoes) or Yuca Huancaina (covered with cold yellow pepper cheese sauce) as well as tostones topped with chicken salad, tenderloin tips or shrimp, and choros a las Chalaca (mussels on the half shell topped with pico de gallo). There also are several soups on the menu, including Aguadito (cilantro chicken soup) and two different types of mixed seafood soups. And, there is a variety of other sandwiches, as well as a Lima Bowl (jasmine rice topped with black beans, romaine lettuce, pico de gallo and Lima chicken salad with cilantro house sauce). 

The Cake de Maracuya is light, refreshing and delicious.

Save room for dessert, too, as Lima has a number of new options we hadn’t sampled before, including the refreshing and light passion fruit Cake de Maracuya and Tres Leches de Lucian, which has hints of coffee and caramel. Kids will enjoy Lima’s chicken tenders with fries and Salchipapas, which are fries topped with diced all-beef hot dogs and a choice of sauces. Domestic and imported beer (including Peruvian Cusqueña and Sierra Andina) and sangria also are available for adults. 

Lima Peruvian Cuisine (19062 BBD Blvd.) opens every day at 11:30 a.m. and stays open until 8 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 9 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. & 7 p.m. on Sun. For more info, call (813) 304-0205, visit LimaTampa.com, or see the ad on pg. 43 for 10% off any take-out or dine-in order. Delivery also is available through DoorDash and Uber Eats.